Spiritual Exercises that enhance Spiritual Growth

“But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness. For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come. This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.”

1 Timothy 4:7-9

Exercise is activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness. Exercise increases muscle growth and overall wellness of the body. Along with exercise, nutrition and heavy weight lifting causes muscle growth. Nutrition cause our muscles to function efficiently and properly. Heavy weight lifting increases the strength and power of our muscles.

In the scripture above, Paul tells Timothy that physical exercise has its limits so he should focus on training himself for godliness because it will not only be beneficial in this life, but in the life to come.

Exercising our faith and authority in Christ increases our connection with God, our confidence in the word of God and keeps the enemy from invading our territory. When we crave the pure milk of the word and overcome the heavy trials of this life, we will produce righteousness in our lives. We will be separated from the world and identified as the offspring of God.

Positionally we are already these things, but Paul told Timothy to STIR UP the gift… What we don’t use will begin to get weak and eventually hard to use.

Therefore, let’s explore ways we can train ourselves for godliness and build our spiritual man...

· Endure the discipline of God

“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Hebrews 12:11

When God trains you through discipline it may seem like He is being harsh or not understanding your pain, but if we never learn the hard lessons of life, we will continually be stuck in destructive cycles. In return hurting ourselves and building a wall between us and God.

Discipline is following the Lord’s command at any cost, bearing the chastisement of God and submitting to the testing of our faith. When you yield to the yoke of righteousness you will gain spiritual authority over all the works of the enemy. Nothing will harm you!

· Fast and Pray

“And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:28-29

In order to engage in intense spiritual warfare our spirit man must be strong.

Are you struggling with something deep and burdensome? Are you tired of the same negative patterns in your life? Prayer and fasting will bring the breakthrough you need. You won’t know its results until you give it your best shot. It takes determination and self-control, but it is worth it.

· Do the works of the Kingdom

“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. And as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.” Exodus 14:15-16

Sometimes our training comes through getting thrown in a battle. Moses and the children of Israel cried out to God when the Egyptians came after them, but God told Moses, why are you crying to me? Tell them to get to moving and use the rod I gave you to perform a miracle.

Stop fearing and EXERCISE your authority! It pleases God to give you the Kingdom. Move out soldier!